Adjustable platen track

ABSTRACT

A generally rectangular binder strap track includes a stationary section and a movable section movable therealong for varying the track length, a flexible tape being connected to the movable section and extending therefrom along the stationary section and outwardly through an opening therein to a tape supply for facilitating unencumbered passage of the leasing strap end from the stationary section to the movable section; each section includes a backing wall of a width substantially equal to that of the strap and pairs of retainers extending laterally outwardly of the opposite sides of the backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a strap path substantially wider than the backing wall, each retainer having two flat surfaces thereon intersecting at an angle and having an opening therethrough with the axis thereof passing through the intersection of the surfaces, the openings of each pair of retainers receiving a pin therethrough to mount the retainers for movement between retaining and releasing positions.

United States Patent Bestor P. Coleman Willow Springs, Ill. 61,656

Aug. 6, 1970 Oct. 19, 1971 lnterlake, Inc. Chicago, Ill.

Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee ADJUSTABLE PLATEN TRACK 30 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

u.s.c| .I loo/26 Int. Cl Bb 13/04 Field ofSearch /25,26,

W I80 I 3,269,300 8/1966 Billett et al. 3,376,807 4/1968 Sterner Primary Examiner-Billy J. Wilhite Attorney-Prangley, Clayton, Mullin, Dithmar and Vogel l therein to a tape supply for facilitating unencumbered passage of the leasing strap end from the stationary section to the movable section; each section includes a backing wall of a width substantially equal to that of the strap and pairs of retainers extending laterally outwardly of the opposite sides of the backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a strap path substantially wider than the backing wall, each retainer having two flat surfaces thereon intersecting at an angle and having an opening therethrough with the axis thereof passing through the intersection of the surfaces, the openings of each pair of retainers receiving a pin therethrough to mount the retainers for movement between retaining and releasing positions.

42 M3 M50 a PATENTEDnm 19 IHTI SHEET 1 OF 4 odd PATENTEDDCT 19 Ian saw 2 GF 4 nae FIG. 3

PATENTEDUE 1 I971 3,613,557 SHEET 3 OF 4 I HIHIIIII II jag L INV OR BESTOR P COLEMAN 7 9 BY 40%; I

PATENTED B 19 3,613,557

7 SHEET 0F 4 FIG. 8 FI6.9

w PRIOR ART FIG.

I70 j A INVENTOR BES TOR R COLEMAN ADJUSTABLE PLA'IEN TRACK This invention relates to strapping machines for securing a binder strap about objects to be bound and, in particular, to a track for guiding the binder strap about the object to be bound. I

More specifically, it is a general object of this invention to provide a track having a movable section for adjusting the track length, the track defining a strap path having a width substantially greater than the width of the associated strap.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, the track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, and a strap retainer mounted adjacent to the backing wall for movement between the retaining position and a releasing position, the strap retainer in the retaining position thereof cooperating with the backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, the strap retainer being so shaped and dimensioned that the path has a width substantially greater than the width of the backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, the strap retainer in the releasing position thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from the path.

It is another object of this invention to provide a binder strap track of the type set forth extending from a strapping head around the object to be bound and back to the head, wherein the strap retainer has an entry section and a tapered exit section, the entry section extending from the associated head partly around the object to be bound and being shaped and dimensioned for defining an entry portion of the path having a width substantially greater than the width of the associated strap, the exit section extending from the entry section back to the associated head and being shaped and dimensioned to define a tapered exit portion of the path having a width adjacent to the entry portion substantially equal to the width thereof and having a width adjacent to the associated head substantially equal to the width of the backing wall.

Another object of this invention is to provide a binder strap track of the type set forth which includes a pair of strap retainers respectively mounted adjacent to the opposite side edges of the backing wall and extending laterally thereof.

It is another object of this invention to provide a binder strap track of the type set forth, which further includes a support pin carried by the backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, each of the strap retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an opening therein with the axis of the opening passing through the intersection of the surfaces, the openings in the strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of the support pin therethrough for supporting the strap retainers for movement between the retaining and releasing positions thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, the track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, the strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to the stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of the strap guide, and a flexible transition member coupled to the movable section and extending therefrom to the stationary section for bringing the gap therebetween, the transition member defining a smooth free portion of the path to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap between the stationary section and the movable section. 1

It is another object of this invention to provide a binder strap track of the type set forth wherein the stationary section has an opening therein extending from the outer periphery thereof inwardly to the path, the flexible transition member extending from the movable section along the adjacent portion of the stationary section and through the opening.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a binder strap track of the type set forth, wherein each of the stationary and movable sections includes a backing wall and a pair of strap retainers of the type set forth.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the parts of the binder strap track whereby the above outlined and additional operating features are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a binder strap track constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of the present invention, and illustrating the positions between which the movable platen assembly may move;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of the left-hand portion of the track, as viewed in FIG. I, and illustrating the transition assembly;

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the transition assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the connection of the flexible tape to the movable platen assembly;

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged fragmentary front elevational view in partial section of a portion of the left-hand vertical flight of the binder strap track, as viewed in FIG. I, and illustrating the three different types of strap retainers utilized therein;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the portion of the track illustrated in FIG. 4, as viewed from the right-hand side thereof;

FIG. 6 is a view in horizontal section of one of the standard L-shaped strap retainers according to this invention taken along the lines 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view in horizontal section of one of the generally U-shaped retainers according to the invention taken along the line 77 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary partially diagrammatical view of a prior art location of the support pin opening in the strap retainer, and illustrating the cooperation between the support pin and the retainer when the retainer is in the releasing position thereof;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 of the prior art arrangement, with the strap retainer illustrated in its retaining position;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but illustrating the location of the support pin opening according to the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but illustrating the location of the support pin opening according to the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a strapping machine, generally designated by the numeral 100, including a base frame 102 which is made up of a pair of side frame members 103 interconnected by bottom frame members 104 to form a stable base for the strapping machine 100. Mounted on the base frame 102 and extending upwardly therefrom are a pair of spaced-apart bearing members I06 having joumaled therein the opposite ends of a conveyor roll I05. Preferably, a plurality of the conveyor rolls 105 are provided and cooperate to define a substantially horizontal conveyor platform for supporting thereon an object 107 to be strapped.

Mounted upon the base frame 102 and extending about the location where the object 107 is positioned on the conveyor rolls 105 is a generally rectangular binder strap track, generally designated by the numeral 110. The track 110 comprises a stationary section including a bottom horizontal flight Ill and two vertically extending flights I12 and 113 and interconnected by comer roll sections 130, and a movable section in the form of a movable platen assembly, generally designated by the numeral 140, extending between the vertical flights 112 and 113 above and substantially parallel to the bottom flight Ill. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the binder strap track 110 dcfines a path 135 for guiding an associated strap web 115 about the object 107 to be strapped. More particularly, the track 110 includes a plurality of substantially identically constructed backing rails 120, 121, 123 and 127, each being formed of solid bar stock substantially rectangular in transverse cross section. The backing wall 120 is mounted on the base frame 102 and extends horizontally therealong substantially parallel to the conveyor rolls 105. The backing rail 121 is spaced a slight distance outwardly of the right-hand end of the bottom backing rail 120, as viewed in H0. 1, the backing rail 121 being secured to the base frame 102 by an angle bracket 122 and extending substantially vertically upwardly therefrom. The backing rail 123 is substantially shorter than the other backing rails and is spaced a slight distance outwardly from the left-hand end of the bottom backing rail 120, as viewed in FIG. 1, the backing rail 123 being coupled to the base frame 102 by an angle bracket 124 and extending upwardly therefrom substantially parallel to the backing rail 121. The

backing rail 123 is provided at the upper end thereof with an inclined edge 123a for a purpose to be described more fully hereinafter. Secured to the front and rear sides of the backing rail 123 and extending forwardly therefrom are a pair of generally rectangular splice plates 126, the splice plates 126 being secured adjacent to the upper ends thereof to the front and rear sides of the backing rail 127. The backing rail 127 extends upwardly from the splice plates 126 in vertical alignment with the backing rail 123 and terminates at an upper end substantially in horizontal alignment with the upper end of the backing rail 121. The lower end of the backing rail 127 is provided with an inclined edge 127a which is spaced above the edge 123a of the backing rail 123 by a predetermined distance to define a gap or opening 125 therebetween. Each of the backing rails 120, 121 and 127 is arranged with one of the narrow side surfaces 128 thereof arranged inwardly of the track 110 to define a backing wall for the associated strap, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

Respectively connecting the opposite ends of the bottom backing rail 120 to the adjacent portions of the backing rails 121 and 123 are two corner roll sections, each generally designated by the numeral 130. The corner roll sections 130 are identically constructed, whereby the same reference numerals have been applied to like parts of each. The detailed construction of the corner roll sections 130 is disclosed in my copending US. Pat. application Ser. No. 64,434, filed Aug. 17, 1970, entitled STRAP TRACK FOR STRAPPlNG MACHINE, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which application is incorporated herein reference. Each of the corner roll sections 130 includes a pair of sideplates 131 extending between the adjacent ends of the backing rails 120, 121 and 123 and respectively coupled to the front and rear surfaces thereof. More particularly, each of the sideplates 131 is connected adjacent to the lower end thereof to a mounting plate 134 which is in turn coupled to the adjacent end of the bottom backing rail 120, the upper ends of the sideplates 131 being respectively coupled to the backing rails 121 and 123. Mounted for rotational movement between the sideplates 131 are a plurality of interleaved roll groups 132, each preferably including several rolls arranged coaxially transversely of the sideplates 131 with the circumferential surfaces thereof cooperating to define an arcuate backing surface which is substantially flush with the backing walls 128 on the adjacent backing rails. Respectively connected to the outer surfaces of the sideplates 131 for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions is a pair of retainers 133, the retainers 133 in the retaining positions thereof cooperating with the roller groups 132 to define the adjacent corner portions of the path 135 for the associated strap 115.

Extending between the backing rails 121 and 127 for movement longitudinally therealong is the movable platen assembly 140, which includes a strapping head 145 provided with a feed wheel I49 therein for feeding the associated binder strap 115 from a supply thereof into the path 135 defined by the track 110. The strapping head 145 is preferably disposed substantially midway between the backing rails 121 and 127 and has secured to the opposite ends thereof two upper backing rail sections 141 and 142 respectively extending toward the backing rails 121 and 127 in alignment with each other and substantially parallel to the bottom backing rail 120. Each of the upper backing rail sections 141 and 142 is of the same cross-sectional construction as the backing rails 120, 121, 123 and 127. Each of the top backing rail sections 141 and 142 is provided at the outer end thereof with a pair of end plates 143 respectively secured to the front and rear surfaces thereof and extending outwardly therefrom substantially to the adjacent vertical backing rail 121 or 127. Secured to each of the end plates 143 by suitable means is another of the corner roll sections 130, constructed as described above and respectively defining upper corner portions of the strap path 135 for coupling the movable platen assembly 140 to the vertically extending track flights 112 and 113. The movable platen assembly 140 is preferably supported by suitable drive apparatus (not shown) for effecting movement of the movable platen assembly 140 upwardly and downwardly longitudinally of the vertically extending backing rails 121 and 127. In order to facilitate and guide this vertical movement of the movable platen assembly 140, each of the end plates 143 is provided adjacent to the outer end thereof with a guide wheel 148 having the outer circumferential surface thereof disposed in rolling engagement with the backing wall 128 of the adjacent backing rails 121 or 127.

The lower end of each of the upper comer roll sections 130 is necessarily spaced inwardly a slight distance from the adjacent backing wall 128 to accommodate free passage of the movable platen assembly 140 therealong. In practice, the strapping head 145 may be so arranged as to feed the strap web 115 in either direction around the track 110. However, in the preferred embodiment, the strapping head 145 has been illustrated in a configuration for feeding the strap web in a clockwise direction around the track as viewed in FIG. 1. The strap web will ordinarily be fed to the strapping head 145 from a suitable supply coil in such a manner that the normal curvature of the strap web 115 imparted by the coil, will tend to urge the leading end of the strap web 115 outwardly against the backing wall 128 of the track 110. Accordingly, as is explained in my aforementioned copending application, Ser. No. 64,434, the leading end of the strap web 115 will tend to follow the backing wall 128 and the roll groups 132 as it travels around the track 110, whereby there will be no possibility of the leading end of the strap web 115 snagging or hanging up in the track 110 until it reaches the upper left-hand comer roll section 130. Since this comer roll section 130 is spaced a slight distance inwardly of the backing wall 128, the leading end of the strap web 115 would normally tend to follow the backing wall 128 and snag on the lower end of this comer roll section 130, thereby jamming the strap web 115 in the track 110. Accordingly, in order to prevent the leading end of the strap web 115 from lodging between the backing wall 128 and the corner section 130 or from snagging on the adjacent end of the corner section 130, a transition assembly, generally designated by the numeral 150, has been provided.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, an angle bracket 146 is provided on the upper left-hand corner roll section 130, the angle bracket 146 having a relatively short horizontally extending leg 144 secured by suitable means to the adjacent end plates 143, and a downwardly extending relatively long leg 147 disposed along the adjacent backing wall 128 of the backing rail 127 substantially parallel thereto. Secured to the lower end of the depending leg 147 by suitable means such as solder joint 156 is a short spur flange 154 extending inwardly and upwardly from the lower end of the departing leg 147 and fonning an acute angle therewith. Disposed outwardly of the vertical track flight 113 adjacent to the gap therein is a reel 151 mounted for rotation about a shaft 152 extending between the splice plates 126 substantially normal thereto and secured thereto by suitable fastening means. The inclined edges 123a and 127a of the backing rails 123 and 127, respectively, slope inwardly toward each other to accommodate the inner portion of the reel 151 therebetween, so that the inner edge of the reel 151 lies substantially in the plane defined by the backing walls 128 of the backing rails 123 and 127.'A flexible tape web 155 is wound in a coil on the reel 151, the free or unreeled end of the tape web 155 extending inwardly through the gap 125 and upwardly along the backing wall 1280f the backing rail127to the spur flange 154. The unreeled end of the flexibletape .web'155 is secured to the inner surface of the spur flange 154, preferably by a suitable adhesive as at 153. Thus, it will be seen from FIG. 3 that flexible tape web 155forms a continuous path from the spur flange 154 to the backing wall 128 of the vertical flight 1 13, thereby bridging the gap between the adjacent corner roll section 130 and the backing rail 127. Preferably,- the roll 151 is spring loaded so as to be urged toward rotation in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. Thus, asthe movable platen assembly 140 moves upwardly it will exert a tensional force on the flexible tape web 155 for unreeling the tape web 155 from the roll 151 against the urging of the bias means. n the other hand, when the movable platen assembly 140 moves downwardly, the clockwise rotation of the roll 151 effected by the bias means will take up the slack inthe flexible tape web 155. It will, of course, be appreciated that instead of the supply reel 151, a simple pulley might be provided between the splice plates 126, the flexible tape web 155 being wrapped around this pulley and thence upwardly and around a similar pulley at the upper end of the backing rail 127 and thence downwardly to a secure anchor on the movable platen as-- sembly 140. Thus, in this alternative arrangement, the flexible tape web 155 would form a closed loop with the movable platen assembly 140.

A pair of retaining plates 157 are also respectively disposed along the outer surfaces of splice plates 126, the retaining plates 157 each including a side flange 158 disposed substantially parallel to the adjacent splice plate 126 and extending inwardly thereof,'and a short retaining flange 159 disposed substantially normal to the side flange 158 along the inner edge thereof. The retaining flanges 159 extend inwardly toward each other and cooperate to retain the strap web 115 in the path defined by the track 110. The retaining plates 157 are each mounted on the splice plates 126 for movement between retaining positions shown and releasing-positions spaced from each other for releasing the strap 115 from the path 135, the retaining plates being normally resiliently biased into the retaining positions thereof. It will be noted that the reel 151 is so positioned that the upper end of the adjacent corner roll section 130 is disposed closely adjacent thereto so that as the strap web 155 traverses the track 110 the leading end thereof will be guided from the bottom left-hand corner roll section 130 directly onto the unreeled portion of the flexible tape web 155.

Mounted on each of the backing rails 120, 121, 127, 141 and 142 and cooperating therewith to define the strap path 135 and retain the strap 115 therein are a plurality of pairs'of strap retainers, including generally U-shaped constant-width retainers 160,reducing retainers 160a and generally L-shaped retainers 180. Thebacking rails 120, 121 and 141 are provided solely with the generally U-shaped retainers 160, each of the retainers 160 being identically constructed, whereby the same reference numerals have been applied to like parts of each. Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 of the drawings, the two retainers of each pair of retainers 160 are-respectivelyopposite edge of the side flange 164 and extending inwardly therefrom substantially parallel to the backing flange 163 is a retaining flange 165. lntegral with the bottom edge of the sideplate 162 and extending outwardly therefrom at an obtuse angle thereto is a flat skirtplate 166.

The sideplate 162 is provided with two relatively large diameter circular openings 167 and two relatively small diameter circular openings 168 therein intermediate the ends thereof, the openings 167 being respectively disposed substantially in alignment with the openings 168 in a direction generally normal to the plane of the adjacent backing wall 128. In use,- the openings 167 in each pair of retainers 160 are respectively disposed substantially in alignment with the op- .posite ends of a complementary opening 129 extending transversely through the associated backing rail. A coil tension spring 161 is disposed inthe opening 129 and is provided at the opposite ends thereof with books 169 for disposition outwardly through the openings 167 and back inwardly through the openings 168 in the retainers 160 for coupling the spring 161 to the retainers 160 and urging the retainers 160 inwardly toward each other.

Each ofthe retainers 160'is also provided with a pair of support pin openings 170 therein for accommodating support pins 175 'therethrough, as isbest illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The support pins 175 are preferably force fitted in complementary openings through the associated backing rail, respectively disposed outwardly of the spring openings 168 and 169 and in alignment therewith. Preferably, the support pin openings 170 are circular in outline and are formed in the retainers 160 prior to bending of the skirt flanges 166 with respect to the side plates 162. After being so bent, the outer surfaces 172 and 176 of the side plate 162 and skin flange 166, respectively, intersect along a bend line A to define an external angle B therebetwcen. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, it will be noted that the openings 170 are so positioned in the retainer 160 that, after bending of the skirt flange 166, the center line of the openings 170 will pass through the bend line A at the intersection of the surfaces 172 and 176. The adjacent ends of the support pins 175 will be loosely received through the openings 170 in the retainer 160 to accommodate a pivotal movement of the retainers 160 about axes disposed substantially normal to the axes of the support pins 175 between retaining positions and releasing positions, respectively illustrated in solid line and broken line in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, it will be seen that when the retainers 160 are in the retaining positions thereof, the inner surfaces of the backing flanges 163 are substantially coplanar with the backing wall 128 of the associated backing rail and extend outwardly therefrom and cooperate therewith to define an enlarged backing wall having a width substantially greater than the width of the backing wall 128. Also, when the strap retainers 160 are in the retaining positions thereof, the inner edges of the retaining flanges 165 are spaced apart a slight distance substantially less than the width of the associated strap web 115, whereby the retaining flanges cooperate with the associated backing wall 128 to define the adjacent portion of the path and to confine the strap web 115 therein. The spacing between the retaining flanges 165 and the backing flanges 163 is substantially greater than the thickness of the associated strap web 115 so as to accommodate free and easy passage of the strap web 1 15 along the path 135. Similarly, the side flanges 164 are spaced apart a distance substantially greater than the width of the associated strap 115 to accommodate lateral deflection of the strap 115, such as might result from camber in the strap, thereby further facilitating ready passage of the strap along the path 135. When the strap retainers are in their releasing positions, the inner edges of the'retaining'flange. are respectively disposed laterally outwardly of the adjacent side edges of the associated backing rail so as to permit easy removal of the associated strap web 115 from the track 110, to permit tensioning of the strap loop about the object 107.

It is an important feature of the present invention that the unique placement of the support pin openings 170 in the retainers 160 provides for a loose fit of the support pins 175 therethrough with a minimum clearance between the support pins 175 and the edges of the openings 170 for any predetermined combination of diameters of the support pins 175 and openings 170. The advantages of this novel placement openings may best be understood by a consideration of the prior art arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The structural elements of FIGS. 8 and 9 corresponds exactly to those of FIGS. 10 and 11, whereby the same reference numerals have been applied to like parts in each, with the suffix a" being appended to the reference numerals in the prior art embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9. In the prior art arrangement, the openings 170a were disposed through the sideplate 162a above the bend line A between the sideplate 162a and the skirt flange 1160. In this arrangement, for a given retainer thickness C, and a given pin diameter D, and a given angle B, the minimum diameter E of each opening 170a was determined when the side plate l62a was in its releasing position, as illustrated in FIG. 8. As is apparent from FIG. 8, the diameter E of the opening 1700 is equal to the hypotenuse of the shaded triangle 170aplus the base of the shaded triangle 147a, both of which dimensions can be readily calculated. However, with this minimum opening diameter B, when the side plate 1620 is in the retaining position thereof illustrated in FIG. 9, a substantial clearance F results between the pin 175a and the edge of the opening 170a, this clearance F being equal to the opening diameter E less the pin diameter D. Thus, this prior arrangement provided an unduly loose fit between the retainers 160 and the support pins 175.

Furthermore, it is desirable to use a relatively large diameter pin 175, since such a large-diameter pin can be more easily driven through the complementary opening in the associated backing rail without damage to the pin by breaking or bending, and the pin can be more easily drilled, if desired. However, in order to use such larger diameter pins in the prior art arrangement, it was necessary to utilize pin openings 170 having a diameter considerably larger than the pin diameter, which large-diameter openings could not be fitted in the sideplate 162 along with the spring openings 167 and 168 without unduly weakening the sideplate 162.

On the other hand, in the arrangement of the present invention, with the same given dimensions B, C and D, the minimum hole diameter may be determined when the sideplate 162 is in its releasing position as illustrated in FIG. 10, by taking twice the hypotenuse of the shaded triangle 173, which hypotenuse can be readily calculated. In this position of the sideplate 162, the pin 175 will engage the sideplate 162 along one edge of the opening 170, while the pin 175 will be spaced from the skirt flange 166 along the opposite edge of the opening 170 to provide a clearance G. It will be observed that the diameter of the opening 170 is substantially less the diameter E of the opening 170a in the prior art arrangement, and the clearance G in the embodiment of this invention is substantially less than the clearance F in the prior art arrangement. Also, referring to FIG. 11, it will be noted that when the sideplate 162 is in its retaining position the pin 175 is engaged with the skirt flange 166 along one edge of the opening 170, while the pin 175 is spaced from the sideplate 162 at the opposite edge of the opening 170 to define the identical clearance G therebetween. Thus, it can be readily observed that in the arrangement of the present invention, with the opening 170 being centered on the bend line A, a much closer fit is provided between the retainers 160 and support pins 175, while still accommodating the full range of movement of the retainers 160 between the retaining and releasing position thereof. More importantly, all of this is accomplished with openings 170 having a diameter substantially less than that required by the prior art arrangement.

Referring now again to FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings, the reducing retainers 160a are-substantially similar in construction to the retainers 160, whereby the same reference numerals have been utilized for like parts of each, with the suffix a being appended to the reference numerals in the reducing retainers 1600. It will be observed that the reducing retainers 160a are substantially identical to the retainers 160, with the exception that the flanges 163a, 164a and 165a thereof are all tapered inwardly from the entry end of the retainers 16011 to the exit end thereof. Thus, while the reducing retainer 160a has a transverse cross section at the entry end thereof substantially identical to that illustrated in FIG. 7, the side flanges 164a thereof taper inwardly toward the adjacent side edges of the backing wall 128, as illustrated in FIG. 5, so that, at the exit end of the reducing section 160a the side flanges 164a are spaced-apart a distance substantially equal to the width of the backing wall 128. One pair of the reducing sections 160a is disposed immediately below the lowest point of travel of the movable platen assembly 140 for more positively and accurately positioning the leading end of the strap web into the left-hand corner roll section of the movable platen assembly 140. Similarly, another pair of reducing retainers 1600 is disposed adjacent to the strapping head in the exit end of the track 110 to provide more positive and accurate positioning of the leading end of the strap web 115 in the strapping head 145. All of the other retainers carried by the top backing rail section 142, and all of the retainers disclosed below the reducing retainer a in the vertical track flight 113 are the U-shaped retainers 160.

All of the retainers in the vertical track flight 113 above the reducing retainers 160a are the standard L-shaped retainers 180. The retainers 180 are all identically constructed, whereby only one of the retainers 180 will be described in detail. Referring in particular to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings, each of the retainers 180 includes a flat sideplate 182 extending longitudinally of the associated backing rail, the sideplate 182 being provided with an inwardly extending retaining flange 185 integral with the upper end thereof and disposed substantially normal thereto. The retaining flange 185 extends the entire length of the sideplate 182 and is provided at the entry end thereof with an out-turned generally triangular lip portion 184. Integral with the lower end of the sideplate 182 and extending outwardly therefrom at an obtuse angle thereto is a skirt flange 186. The sideplate 182 is provided with two spring openings 187 and 188 therein, respectively identical in construction, position and function to the spring openings 167 and 168 in the retainers 160. Accordingly, tension springs 161 are coupled between each pair of retainers 180 for urging them toward each other in the same manner as was described with respect to the retainers 160 above. In addition, each pair of retainers 180 is provided with support pin openings therethrough identical in construction, position and function to the support pin openings 170 described in connection with the retainers 160 above. Accordingly, support pins are received through the corresponding openings in each pair of retainers for supporting the retainers 180 for movement between retaining and releasing positions thereof, respectively illustrated in solid line and broken line in FIG. 6. As indicated in FIG. 6, when the retainers 180 are in the retaining positions thereof, the retaining flanges are spaced a short distance from the associated backing wall 128 and are disposed substantially parallel thereto for defining therewith the adjacent portion of the strap path 135. In this position, the inner ends of the retaining flanges 185 are spaced apart a slight distance substantially less than the width of the strap 1 15 to confine the strap 115 to the path 135, the separation between the flanges 185 and the backing wall 128 being substantially greater than the thickness of the strap 115 to accommodate ready passage thereof along the path. It will be noted that the sideplates 182 in the retaining positions thereof are spaced apart a distance substantially equal-to the width of the backing wall 128 whereby the portion of the path defined thereby has a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap. When the retainers 180 are in their releasing positions, the inner edges of the retaining flanges 185 are respectively disposed outwardly of the adjacent side edges of the backing wall 128 to accommodate easy removal of the associated strap 115 from t the track 110. The retainer pairs 160, 160a and 180 are all arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along each straight flight of the track 110, so as to cooperate with the comer roll sections 130 to define a continuous path 135 around the ob ject position.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, it will be noted that platen follower assemblies, generally designated by the numeral 190, have been provided, the follower assemblies 190 being coupled to the opposite ends of the movable platen assembly 140 by appropriate means (not shown) and movable therewith. The follower assemblies 190 are identically constructed, and the same reference numerals have been applied to like parts of each. Each assembly 190'includes a vertically extending arm 191 disposed outwardly of the backing rail 127 substantially parallel thereto and carrying a clevis block 192 at the upper end thereof. Mounted for rotation about a shaft journaled in the clevis 192 is a guide roll 193, so dimensioned and arranged that the circumferential surface thereof is disposed in rolling engagement with the outer surface of the adjacent backing rail 121 or 127 for guiding the movement of the follower assembly 190 therealong. Also carried by the arm 190 at spaced-apart points therealong are several pairs of retainer opening rolls 195, respectively disposed adjacent to the front and rear sides of the adjacent retainers for rolling engagement with the skirt flanges 166 or 186 thereof. The topmostpair of retainer opening'rolls 195 is preferably disposed above the guide roll 148 on the movable platen assembly 140, while the bottommost pair of retainer opening rolls 195 is disposed adjacent to the lower ends of the corner roll sections 130 on the movable platen assembly 140. Thus, it will be.

readily appreciated that as the movable platen assembly moves upwardly and downwardly along the verticalbacking rails 121 and 127, the retainer opening rolls 195 will engage the skirt flanges 166 and 186 of the adjacent retainers 160 and 180 for urging the retainers 160 and 180 to the releasing positions thereof, thereby accommodating passage of the angle bracket 146 and the lower ends of the upper guide roll sections 130 and the guide rolls 148 along the associated backing rails between the open retaining flanges 165 and 185 of the retainers 160 and 180. As the movable platen assembly 140 moves upwardly above the location of a given pair of retainers 185, the retainer opening rolls move out of engagement therewith topermit the retainers 180 to be returned to the retaining position thereof by the tension springs 161.

In operation, when it is desired to apply a binder strap about an object 107, the object 107 is first placed in position on the conveyor rolls 105 within the track 110, the movable platen assembly having first been adjusted to the proper height to accommodate the packing 107 within the track 110. The leading end of a length of strap web 115 is then fed by the strapping head 145 into the path 135 defined by the track 110 and in a clockwise direction therearound. When the leading end of the strap web 115 arrives at the vertical flight 113 of the track 10, it is fed directly onto the unreeled portion of the flexible tape web 155 and upwardly therealong directly into the corner roll section 130 at the left-hand end of the movable platen assembly 140. The leading end of the strap web 115 isthen fed back into the strapping head 145 and into overlapping relationship with the supply portion of the strap web 115, in a well-known manner.

At this point, the strap web 115 is pulled by the strapping head 145 into a tensioned condition about the object 107, the corresponding contraction of the loop of strap about the object 107 causing the strap web 115 to engage the retaining flanges 165, 165a and 185 of the retainers 160, 16011 and 180, respectively, for moving the retainers 160, 160a and 180 into the releasing positions thereof against the urging of the bias springs 161 and releasing the strap web 115 from the path. After the straphas been tensioned about the object 107 it is sealed thereabout and severed from the supply portion of the strap 115, whereupon the strapped object 107 may be removed from the strapping machine 100, all in a well-known manner.

it will be observed that the retainers 160 provide a path substantially about the object 107 having a width considerably greater than the width of the strapping web to accommodate ready passage of the strap web 115 along the path without danger of jamming therein. However, as described above, immediately before entry into the comer roll section at the left-hand end of the movable platen assembly and again immediately before entry into the strapping head 145, the strap passes through reducing retainers a to more positively and accurately position the leading end of the strapping web 115 in the movable platen assembly 140 and the strapping head 145. lt will be observed that the generally U shaped retainers 160 according to the present invention afford a path width substantially greater than the width of the associated strap, while still pennitting use of the standard backing rails 120, 121, 123, 127, 141 and 142 which have a width substantially equal to the associated strap width 115.

If it is desired to utilize the strapping machine 100 to apply a strap about a different size object 107, an appropriate upward or downward adjustment in the position of the movable platen assembly 140 is made, with a corresponding unreeling or reeling of the flexible tape web 155 with respect to the reel 151, after which the above-described strapping operation is repeated. The upward or downward movement of the movable platen assembly 140 is accompanied by corresponding movement of the follower assemblies to move the adjacent retainers to their releasing positions, thereby accommodating passage of the adjacent end of the movable platen assembly 140 therebetween.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided an improved binder strap track which includes a movable section to accommodate changing the length of the track while preventing jamming of the binder strap in the track. More particularly, there has been provided a novel transition assembly for bridging the gap between the movable and stationary sections of the binder strap track for guiding the leading end of the associated strap web across the gap therebetween without danger of jamming therein.

In addition, there has been provided a novel strap retainer which provides a path width substantially greater than the width of the associated strap while permitting use of the standard backing rail which is of a width substantially equal to the width of the associated strap. Furthermore, a reducing version of this improved strap retainer has been provided for tapering the width of the strap path at selected points in the track.

Finally, there has been provided a novel placement of the support pin openings in the strap retainers, for allowing the use of a support pin of maximum diameter with a support pin opening of minimum diameter.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, and a strap retainer mounted adjacent to said backing wall for movement between a retaining position and releasing position, said strap retainer in the retaining position thereof cooperating with said backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainer being so shaped and dimensioned that said path has a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainer in the releasing position thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path.

2. The binder strap track set forth in claim 1, wherein said path is generally rectangular in shape.

3. The binder strap set forth in claim 1, wherein said strap retainer includes a plurality of retainer sections arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along said backing wall, each of said retainer sections being movable between a retaining position and a releasing position.

4. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, and a pair of strap retainers respectively mounted adjacent to opposite side edges of said backing wall for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path.

5. The binder strap track set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a retaining portion generally U- shaped in transverse cross section and having a bight and two substantially parallel legs with the open ends of said retaining portions being disposed toward each other, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof having one leg of each of said retaining portions disposed substantially coplanar with and extending laterally outwardly of said backing wall with the other leg of each of said retaining portions spaced a predetermined distance from said backing wall, the inner ends of said other legs of said retaining portions being spaced apart a distance less than the width of the associated strap for retaining the strap in said path when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof.

6. The binder strap track set forth in claim 4, wherein said backing wall is formed of a solid bar structure substantially rectangular in transverse cross section.

7. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap from a strapping head around an object to be bound and back to the head, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a strap retainer having an entry section and a tapered exit section mounted adjacent to said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, the entry section of said strap retainer extending from the associated head partly around the object to be bound and being shaped and dimensioned for cooperating with the adjacent portion of said backing wall to define an entry portion of said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall, the tapered exit section of said strap retainer extending from said entry section back to the associated head and being shaped and dimensioned for cooperating with the adjacent portion of said backing wall to define a tapered exit portion of said path having a width adjacent to said entry portion substantially equal to the width thereof and having a width adjacent to the associated head substantially equal to the width of said backing wall, whereby the entry portion of said path accommodates ready passage of the associated strap therethrough while the exit portion of said path positively and accurately positions the associated strap in the associated head.

8. The binder strap track set forth in claim 7, wherein said path is generally rectangular in shape and includes four straight portions interconnected by four comer portions, the associated strapping head being disposed along one of said straight portions.

9. The binder strap track set forth in claim 7, wherein said path is generally rectangular in shape and includes four straight portions interconnected by four corner portions, the associated strapping head being disposed along one of said straight portions, and further including a second tapered section in the straight portion of said track immediately preceding said one straight portion for accurately positioning the associated strap in the last corner portion of said track.

10. A binder strap for guiding a binder strap from a strapping head around an object to be bound and back to the head, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a pair of strap retainers each having an entry section and a tapered exit section and respectively mounted adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof cooperating with each other and with said backing wall to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the entry sections of said strap retainers extending from the associated head partly around the object to be bound and respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of the adjacent portion of said backing wall for cooperating therewith when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof to define an entry portion of said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall, the tapered exit sections of said strap retainers extending from said entry sections back to the associated head and respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of the adjacent portion of said backing wall for cooperating therewith when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof to define a tapered exit portion of said path having a width adjacent to said entry portion substantially equal to the width thereof and having a width adjacent to the associated head substantially equal to the width of said backing wall, whereby the entry portion of said path accommodates ready passage of the associated strap therethrough while the exit portion of said path positively and accurately positions the associated strap about the associated head.

11. A binder strap track for guiding a strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, a support pin carried by said backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, a pair of strap retainers respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall, each of said strap retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an opening therein with the axis of said opening passing through the intersection of said surfaces, the openings in said strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of said support pin therethrough for supporting said strap retainers for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof cooperating with each other and with said backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the position of the openings providing a minimum clearance between said support pin and said mounting members for any predetermined combination of opening and pin dimensions.

12. The binder strap track set forth in claim ll, wherein said support pin extends through a complementary opening in said backing wall, with the opposite ends of said pin respectively extending a predetermined distance outwardly of the adjacent side of said backing wall.

13. The binder strap track set forth in claim 11, and further including bias means coupled to said strap retainers for urging said strap retainers into the retaining positions thereof.

14. The binder strap fraclg set forth in claim 11, and further including a tension spring sposed transversely of said backing wall inwardly of the axis of said support pin and coupled at the opposite ends thereof to said strap retainers for urging said strap retainers toward each other and to the retaining positions thereof.

15. The binder strap track set forth in claim 11, wherein said pin engages one of said straight portions on each of said strap retainers and is spaced a predetermined distance from the other of said straight portions on each of said strap retainers when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof, said pin being spaced said predetermined distance from said one straight portion on each of said strap retainers and being in engagement with said other straight portion on each of said strap retainers when said strap retainers are in the releasing positions thereof.

16. A binder straptrack for guiding a strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially'ab out the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a support pin carried by said backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, a pair of strap retainers respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall, each of said strap. retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an openingtherein with the axis of said opening passing through the intersection of said surfaces, the openings in said strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of said support pin therethrough for supporting said strap retainers for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof respectively extendinglaterally of the opposite side-edges of said backingwall and cooperatingtherewith to define a path for the associated binder strap'about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the positionof the openings providing a minimum clearance between said support pin and said mounting members for any predetermined combinationof opening and pin dimensions.

17. The binder strap track set forth in claim 16, wherein said retaining portions being disposed toward each other, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof having one leg of each. of said retaining portions disposed substantially coplanar with and extending laterally outwardly of said backing wall with the other leg of each of said retaining portions spaceda predetermined distance from said backing wall, the inner ends of said other legs of said retaining portions being spaced apart a distance less than the width of the associated strap for retaining thestrapin said path when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof.

18. The binder strap track set forth in claim 16, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a plurality of retainer sections arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along .said backing wall, and a plurality of support pins respectively carried by said backing wall adjacent to each of said retainer sections, each of said retainer sections having openings therein for receiving the opposite ends of the adjacent support pins therethrough for supportingsaid retainer sections for movement between'retaining positions and releasing positions.

19. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with and said movable section.

20. The binder strap track set forth in claim 19, wherein said stationary section is generally U-shaped and includes a bightportion and a pair of substantially parallel leg portions, said movable section extending between said leg portions and movable longitudinally thereof toward and away from said bight portions.

21. The binder strap track set forth in claim 19, wherein said stationary section is generally U-shaped and includes a bight portion and a pair-of substantially parallel leg portions, said movable section extending between said leg portions and movable longitudinally thereof toward and away from said bight portion, and further including a strapping head carried by said movable section for feeding the associated strap to and removing the associated strap from said track.

22. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, and said stationary section having an opening therein extending from the outer periphery thereof inwardly to said path, a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom along theadjacent portion of said stationary section and through said opening, said transition member lying. along said path and defining a smooth free portion thereof extending from said stationary section to said movable section to facilitatethe guiding of the associated strapacross the gap therebetween.

23.-The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, wherein said flexible transition member comprises a coil of flexible tape mounted along theperiphery of said guide adjacent to said opening for rotation about a predetermined axis, and means biasing said coil toward rotation in a reeling direction, an unreeling portion of said coil extending through said opening and being coupled to said movable section and movable therewith, whereby movement of said movable section in one direction effects the unreeling of the tape from said coil while the movement of said movable section in the other direction accommodates the reeling of said tape onto said coil.

24. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, and further includinga generally V-shaped coupling member carried by said movable section and having first and second intersecting guide surfaces thereon, sajd first guide surface disposed in said path along said stationary section in facing relation therewith, said second guide surface extending from said first guide surface along the portion of said path defined by said movable section, said flexible transition member being coupled to said second guide surface for guiding the associated strap thereonto from said stationary section.

25. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, wherein said stationary section is generally U-shaped and includes a straight bight portion and apair of substantially parallel leg portions, and a pair of roller corner portions respectively coupled between the opposite ends of said bight portion and the adjacent leg portions, said movable section including a straight portion extending-between said leg portions, and a pair of roller corner portions respectively coupled between the opposite ends of said movable section and the adjacent leg portions.

26. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, wherein said stationary section includes first and second stationary members separated by a predetermined distance to define said opening therebetween, and a pair of splice plates intercon- 27. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around i an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, and each of said sections including a backing wall having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap and a strap retainer mounted adjacent to said backing wall for movement between a retaining position and a releasing position, said strap retainer in the retaining position thereof cooperating with said backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainer being so shaped and dimensioned that said path has a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainer in the releasing position thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, and a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom to said stationary section for bridging the gap therebetween, said transition member defining a smooth free portion of said path to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap between said stationary section and said movable section.

28. The binder strap track set forth in claim 27, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a plurality of retainer sections arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along the associated backing wall, each of said retainer sections being movable between a retaining position and a releasing position.

29. A binder strap track for guiding a strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, each of said sections including a backing wall hit/THE a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a support pin carried by said backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, and a pair of strap retainers respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall, each of said strap retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an opening therein with the axis of said opening passing through the intersection of said surfaces, the openings in said strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of said support pin therethrough for supporting said strap retainers for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the position of the openings providing a minimum clearance between said support pin and said mounting members for any predetermined combination of opening and pin dimensions, and a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom to said stationary section for bridging the gap therebetween, said transition member defining a smooth free portion of said path to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap between said stationary section and said movable section.

30. The binder strap track set forth in claim 29, and further including means carried by said movable section for moving the retainers on said stationary section to the releasing positions thereof to accommodate passage of said movable section along the adjacent portion of the associated backing wall.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N In bu) Bestor P. Coleman It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 11, Claim 3, line 3, after "strap" insert track insert track Column 14, Claim 19, line 3, after "stationary" insert section Column 14, Claim 23, line 44, "unreeling" should be unreeled Signed and sealed this 1 th day of April 1 972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GO'I'TSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents Column 12, Claim 10, line 7, after "strap" (first occurrence),

ORM PO-IOSO (TO-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-969 0 U S GOVERNMENY PRINTING OFFlCE I959 0-366-331 

1. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, and a strap retainer mounted adjacent to said backing wall for movement between a retaining position and releasing position, said strap retainer in the retaining position thereof cooperating with said backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainer being so shaped and dimensioned that said path has a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainer in the releasing position thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path.
 2. The binder strap track set forth in claim 1, wherein said path is generally rectangular in shape.
 3. The binder strap set forth in claim 1, wherein said strap retainer includes a plurality of retainer sections arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along said backing wall, each of said retainer sections being movable between a retaining position and a releasing position.
 4. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, and a pair of strap retainers respectively mounted adjacent to opposite side edges of said backing wall for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path.
 5. The binder strap track set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a retaining portion generally U-shaped in transverse cross section and having a bight and two substantially parallel legs with the open ends of said retaining portions being disposed toward each other, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof having one leg of each of said retaining portions disposed substantially coplanar with and extending laterally outwardly of said backing wall with the other leg of each of said retaining portions spaced a predetermined distance from said backing wall, the inner ends of said other legs of said retaining portions being spaced apart a distance less than the width of the associated strap for retaining the strap in said path when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof.
 6. The binder strap track set forth in claim 4, wherein said backing wall is formed of a solid bar structure substantially rectangular in transverse cross section.
 7. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap from a strapping head around an object to be bound and back to the head, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a strap retainer having an entry section and a tapered exit section mounted adjacent to said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, the entry section of said strap retainer extending from the associated head partly around the object to be bound and being shaped and dimensioNed for cooperating with the adjacent portion of said backing wall to define an entry portion of said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall, the tapered exit section of said strap retainer extending from said entry section back to the associated head and being shaped and dimensioned for cooperating with the adjacent portion of said backing wall to define a tapered exit portion of said path having a width adjacent to said entry portion substantially equal to the width thereof and having a width adjacent to the associated head substantially equal to the width of said backing wall, whereby the entry portion of said path accommodates ready passage of the associated strap therethrough while the exit portion of said path positively and accurately positions the associated strap in the associated head.
 8. The binder strap track set forth in claim 7, wherein said path is generally rectangular in shape and includes four straight portions interconnected by four corner portions, the associated strapping head being disposed along one of said straight portions.
 9. The binder strap track set forth in claim 7, wherein said path is generally rectangular in shape and includes four straight portions interconnected by four corner portions, the associated strapping head being disposed along one of said straight portions, and further including a second tapered section in the straight portion of said track immediately preceding said one straight portion for accurately positioning the associated strap in the last corner portion of said track.
 10. A binder strap for guiding a binder strap from a strapping head around an object to be bound and back to the head, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a pair of strap retainers each having an entry section and a tapered exit section and respectively mounted adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof cooperating with each other and with said backing wall to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the entry sections of said strap retainers extending from the associated head partly around the object to be bound and respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of the adjacent portion of said backing wall for cooperating therewith when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof to define an entry portion of said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall, the tapered exit sections of said strap retainers extending from said entry sections back to the associated head and respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of the adjacent portion of said backing wall for cooperating therewith when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof to define a tapered exit portion of said path having a width adjacent to said entry portion substantially equal to the width thereof and having a width adjacent to the associated head substantially equal to the width of said backing wall, whereby the entry portion of said path accommodates ready passage of the associated strap therethrough while the exit portion of said path positively and accurately positions the associated strap about the associated head.
 11. A binder strap track for guiding a strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, a support pin carried by said backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, a pair of strap retainers respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall, each of said strap retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an opening therein with the axis of said opening passing through the intersection of said surfaces, the openings in said strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of said support pin therethrough for supporting said strap retainers for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof cooperating with each other and with said backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the position of the openings providing a minimum clearance between said support pin and said mounting members for any predetermined combination of opening and pin dimensions.
 12. The binder strap track set forth in claim 11, wherein said support pin extends through a complementary opening in said backing wall, with the opposite ends of said pin respectively extending a predetermined distance outwardly of the adjacent side of said backing wall.
 13. The binder strap track set forth in claim 11, and further including bias means coupled to said strap retainers for urging said strap retainers into the retaining positions thereof.
 14. The binder strap track set forth in claim 11, and further including a tension spring disposed transversely of said backing wall inwardly of the axis of said support pin and coupled at the opposite ends thereof to said strap retainers for urging said strap retainers toward each other and to the retaining positions thereof.
 15. The binder strap track set forth in claim 11, wherein said pin engages one of said straight portions on each of said strap retainers and is spaced a predetermined distance from the other of said straight portions on each of said strap retainers when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof, said pin being spaced said predetermined distance from said one straight portion on each of said strap retainers and being in engagement with said other straight portion on each of said strap retainers when said strap retainers are in the releasing positions thereof.
 16. A binder strap track for guiding a strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a backing wall extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a support pin carried by said backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, a pair of strap retainers respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall, each of said strap retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an opening therein with the axis of said opening passing through the intersection of said surfaces, the openings in said strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of said support pin therethrough for supporting said strap retainers for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the position of the openings providing a minimum clearance between said support pin and said mounting members for any predetermined combination of opening and pin dimensions.
 17. The bindeR strap track set forth in claim 16, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a retaining portion generally U-shaped in transverse cross section and having a bight and two substantially parallel legs with the open ends of said retaining portions being disposed toward each other, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof having one leg of each of said retaining portions disposed substantially coplanar with and extending laterally outwardly of said backing wall with the other leg of each of said retaining portions spaced a predetermined distance from said backing wall, the inner ends of said other legs of said retaining portions being spaced apart a distance less than the width of the associated strap for retaining the strap in said path when said strap retainers are in the retaining positions thereof.
 18. The binder strap track set forth in claim 16, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a plurality of retainer sections arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along said backing wall, and a plurality of support pins respectively carried by said backing wall adjacent to each of said retainer sections, each of said retainer sections having openings therein for receiving the opposite ends of the adjacent support pins therethrough for supporting said retainer sections for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions.
 19. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, and a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom to said stationary for bridging the gap therebetween, said transition member defining a smooth free portion of said path to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap between said stationary section and said movable section.
 20. The binder strap track set forth in claim 19, wherein said stationary section is generally U-shaped and includes a bight portion and a pair of substantially parallel leg portions, said movable section extending between said leg portions and movable longitudinally thereof toward and away from said bight portions.
 21. The binder strap track set forth in claim 19, wherein said stationary section is generally U-shaped and includes a bight portion and a pair of substantially parallel leg portions, said movable section extending between said leg portions and movable longitudinally thereof toward and away from said bight portion, and further including a strapping head carried by said movable section for feeding the associated strap to and removing the associated strap from said track.
 22. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, and said stationary section having an opening therein extending from the outer periphery thereof inwardly to said path, a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom along the adjacent portion of said stationary section and through said opening, said transition member lying along said path and defining a smooth free portion thereof extending from said stationary section to said movable section to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap therebetween.
 23. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, wherein said flexible transition member comprises a coil of flexible tape mounted along the periPhery of said guide adjacent to said opening for rotation about a predetermined axis, and means biasing said coil toward rotation in a reeling direction, an unreeling portion of said coil extending through said opening and being coupled to said movable section and movable therewith, whereby movement of said movable section in one direction effects the unreeling of the tape from said coil while the movement of said movable section in the other direction accommodates the reeling of said tape onto said coil.
 24. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, and further including a generally V-shaped coupling member carried by said movable section and having first and second intersecting guide surfaces thereon, said first guide surface disposed in said path along said stationary section in facing relation therewith, said second guide surface extending from said first guide surface along the portion of said path defined by said movable section, said flexible transition member being coupled to said second guide surface for guiding the associated strap thereonto from said stationary section.
 25. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, wherein said stationary section is generally U-shaped and includes a straight bight portion and a pair of substantially parallel leg portions, and a pair of roller corner portions respectively coupled between the opposite ends of said bight portion and the adjacent leg portions, said movable section including a straight portion extending between said leg portions, and a pair of roller corner portions respectively coupled between the opposite ends of said movable section and the adjacent leg portions.
 26. The binder strap track set forth in claim 22, wherein said stationary section includes first and second stationary members separated by a predetermined distance to define said opening therebetween, and a pair of splice plates interconnecting said first and second stationary members across said opening.
 27. A binder strap track for guiding a binder strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap guide including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, and each of said sections including a backing wall having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap and a strap retainer mounted adjacent to said backing wall for movement between a retaining position and a releasing position, said strap retainer in the retaining position thereof cooperating with said backing wall to define a path for the associated strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said strap retainer being so shaped and dimensioned that said path has a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainer in the releasing position thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, and a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom to said stationary section for bridging the gap therebetween, said transition member defining a smooth free portion of said path to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap between said stationary section and said movable section.
 28. The binder strap track set forth in claim 27, wherein each of said strap retainers includes a plurality of retainer sections arranged in substantially end-to-end relation along the associated backing wall, each of said retainer sections being movable between a retaining position and a releasing position.
 29. A binder strap track for guiding a strap around an object to be bound, said track comprising a strap guide defining a path for the associated strap extending substantially about the location where the object to be bound is positioned and including a stationary section and a movable section coupled to said stationary section and movable with respect thereto for varying the length of said strap guide, each of said sections including a backing wall having a width only slightly greater than the width of the associated strap, a support pin carried by said backing wall and disposed transversely thereof, and a pair of strap retainers respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite side edges of said backing wall, each of said strap retainers including two straight portions having corresponding surfaces thereon intersecting to define an angle therebetween and having an opening therein with the axis of said opening passing through the intersection of said surfaces, the openings in said strap retainer respectively receiving the opposite ends of said support pin therethrough for supporting said strap retainers for movement between retaining positions and releasing positions, said strap retainers in the retaining positions thereof respectively extending laterally of the opposite side edges of said backing wall and cooperating therewith to define a path for the associated binder strap about the location where the object to be bound is positioned, said path having a width substantially greater than the width of said backing wall for accommodating ready passage of the associated strap therethrough, said strap retainers in the releasing positions thereof accommodating removal of the associated strap from said path, the position of the openings providing a minimum clearance between said support pin and said mounting members for any predetermined combination of opening and pin dimensions, and a flexible transition member coupled to said movable section and extending therefrom to said stationary section for bridging the gap therebetween, said transition member defining a smooth free portion of said path to facilitate the guiding of the associated strap across the gap between said stationary section and said movable section.
 30. The binder strap track set forth in claim 29, and further including means carried by said movable section for moving the retainers on said stationary section to the releasing positions thereof to accommodate passage of said movable section along the adjacent portion of the associated backing wall. 